Eastrop Park

Updated 2 April 2026 4.30pm

Eastrop Paddling Pool

We are busy preparing our paddling pool at Eastrop Park ready for opening in the spring and summer months.

While we carry out this work, please do not attempt to use it until it is officially open. The water is highly chlorinated and may cause skin and eye irritations.

We will provide updates on this page and our social media channels.

Eastrop Park is a public park located in the town centre which provides an opportunity for walking, relaxing or taking part in a variety of activities.

The River Loddon runs through the park, feeding into a balancing pond in a wildlife area where you can spot some of the many birds that inhabit this area. The park has been awarded Green Flag status for 26 years running.

Activities in the park

Paddling pool
Open in the summer months

Children's play area
Open all year with a variety of equipment for a range of ages and abilities

Boat hire at the Boathouse
Prices for hire (per person/20 minutes)

  • Adult £3.50
  • Junior £2.70

This activity is weather dependent but is generally open from 11.30am to 5.30pm at the following times of the year:

  • Easter weekend/Easter school holiday
  • May half term
  • School summer holidays
  • Bank holidays between Easter and the end of September
  • Weekends from Easter until the end of September

Model boating lake
This is the smaller of the two lakes. You can bring a model boat to sail. The lake is used by the Basingstoke Model Boat Club, who regularly bring a variety of models such as yachts and steam boats for a sail in the park. Find out more from the Basingstoke Model Boat club website.

Trim trail
Fitness stations can be found around the park these include monkey bars, a pull up bar and parallel bars.

Facilities in the park

Outdoor café

This facility is weather dependent but is generally open from 11.30am to 5.30pm at the following times of the year:

  • Easter weekend/Easter school holiday
  • May half term
  • School summer holidays
  • Bank holidays between Easter and the end of September
  • Weekends from Easter until the end of September

Toilets

  • There is a toilet block next to the boating lake
  • Includes an accessible toilet facility

Seating

  • Benches and picnic benches are situated in various places around the park

Location and car parking

Location: postcode RG21 4QE

Eastrop park is accessible on foot, a short walk from Basingstoke town centre, bus and rail stations.

Free parking is available at two car parks on the site, accessed via Eastrop Way, the parking includes:

  • disabled parking bays
  • two electric 22kWh chargepoints with 2 ports, enabling 4 cars to charge

Walking trails and cycle routes

There are pathways throughout the park many of which are tarmacked making it accessible for wheelchairs, buggies and bicycles.

Self-guided walking trails

Eastrop to the War Memorial Park trail - the guide for this trail includes a walk summary, directions and interesting information about the features that you will pass along the way.

The Basing trail - a marked circular walk leading to the picturesque village of Old Basing. This trail takes you through our parks and the famous Civil War site of Basing House. The walk has short cuts to create walks of either 2, 3 or 4.5 miles. Information panels are located at key points along the trail.

Basingstoke Canal Heritage footpath - this trail runs from Festival Place through Eastrop Park, across Basing Fen and onto Basing House, closely following the original canal route. The walk is about 2 miles (3.2 km) and ends in Old Basing. The walk connects to routes through Crabtree Plantation and Black Dam Nature Reserve allowing you to take an alternative route back to Basingstoke.

Wooden information boards along the path provide walkers with information about the canal and the local wildlife. The first section of the footpath from Festival Place to the start of Basing Fen is tarmacked. After that the ground is uneven and walkers must cross grassland, a narrow boardwalk and follow muddy tracks.

Cycling

There is a marked cycle lane through the park that is shared with pedestrians. Route 23 of the National Cycle Network runs through the park along with other off road routes.

Events in the park

Each summer, the park hosts summer band concerts on selected Sundays. Find more information about Summer Bands concerts

For more information on events in the park and in the borough visit our Love Basingstoke website and the Destination Basingstoke website

Sign up for email updates

Receive information on council services, news and events by email.

© 2026 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council